The leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as the 13th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The swearing in ceremony took place at the historic Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya this morning (9).
Elected to the post for the fourth time, Mr. Rajapaksa served two terms as the Executive President of the country from 2005 to 2015.
Completing five decades in active politics, Mr. Rajapaksa entered the Parliament in 1970 and he played a pivotal role as a Cabinet Minister during 1995-2004 period.
First elected as the Prime Minister in 2004, Mr. Rajapaksa was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second time on October 26, 2018. The third time he was sworn in as the Prime Minister was on November 21, 2019.
During his 10-year tenure as the Executive President Mr. Rajapaksa was able to eradicate the 3-decade old terrorism from the country and to accelerate country’s economic development.
Contesting from Kurunegala district in the recently concluded Parliamentary Election Mr. Rajapaksa received a record-breaking 527,364 Preferential Votes, the highest number of votes a candidate ever received.
Mr. Rajapaksa will go down in history as the first ever Sri Lankan to become Prime Minister for four times after serving two terms as the Executive President.
Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the new Premier.
Later, the President and Prime Minister engaged in religious observances at the Viharaya.
At the conclusion of the ceremony both President and Prime Minister greeted the public gathered at the venue.
Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, Governors, Secretary to the President, members of the diplomatic corps, newly elected members of Parliament of SLPP and other Parliamentarians who extend their support to the new government and family members were also present on the occasion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa cast his vote for the Parliamentary Election 2020 at Sri Vivekaramaya Temple in Pangiriwatta, Nugegoda this morning (5).
Madam Ayoma Rajapaksa also cast her vote.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the Sacred Tooth Relic protected our Motherland and its people right throughout.
We pay homage to the most Sacred Tooth Relic the same way we venerate the Buddha said the President adding that we are obliged to pay our veneration to the most sacred Tooth Relic in accordance with our ancient customs.
President made these remarks at the ceremony to announce the successful completion of the Dalada Perahera in Kandy today (4).
In keeping with the traditional customs Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Dala Bandara presented the Sannasa (scroll) of the successful conclusion of Kandy Esala Perahara to the President.
President planted a Na sampling at the premises of the President’s House in Kandy to mark the occasion.
President posed for a group photo with Diyawadana Nilame, Basnayaka Nilames and officials who supported the conduct of Perahara.
Donations to Pitisara Devalas were handed over by the President.
The Governor of the Central Province Lalith U. Gamage presented a book titled “Poojaneeya Dalada Sanskruthiya” to the President.
Madam Ayoma Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, government officials and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speech by His Excellency the President at the conclusion of Dalada Perahara
04.08.2020
At President’s House, Kandy
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has summoned the new Parliament to meet on 20th August, 2020 (Thursday) following the General Election tomorrow, August 5th.
President has made this decision under the powers vested in him by the Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Parliamentary Election Act. The Extraordinary Gazette notification announcing the summoning of the new Parliament was issued last night.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in response to a request by a student of the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Primary School, Madirigiriya helps the rural school to have an adequately equipped library. The library constructed by repairing an old double-decker bus was handed over to the school authorities at the Presidential Secretariat today(August 03).
It has been 5 years since the founding of the school and it has not had a library for all this time. A number of requests had been made over the years to provide a library to the school where about 430 students receive their education.
During President Rajapaksa’s visit to the school in his tour surrounding Madirigiriya area, a Grade 3 student Vinuri Dahamsa appealed him for a library.
Under President Rajapaksa’s instructions, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and Attorney at Law Kingsley Ranawaka got his mechanical staff to repair an old double-decker bus belonging to Maharagama Depot,which was earmarked to be auctioned for metal so as to be used as a library.
The Chairman of the Derana Media network Dilith Jayaweera and the staff of the Maharagama bus depot sponsored to purchase books for the newly constructed library.
Chairman of the SLTB Kingsley Ranawaka, Principal of the school Chaminda Priyashantha and girld child Vinuri Dahamsa were present at the occasion.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa paid floral tribute to the D.A. Rajapaksa monument at Medamulana, today (02).
President Rajapaksa who is on a campaign tour of Hambantota district, in support of the candidates of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna contesting the next Wednesday’s Parliamentary Election visited the D.A.Rajapaksa Museum and Memorial and paid the floral tribute to D.A. Rajapaksa monument .
Minister Chamal Rajapaksa was also present at the occasion.
The President also engaged in a cordial conversation with the people gathered in front of the memorial.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that he will build a people-centric economy that will be fully owned by the people of this country.
The President further said that the objective of the government is create a National Economy for the future that will strengthen the local entrepreneurs instead of vending national resources and financial assets of the country to foreigners.
President Rajapaksa emphasized that it was important to comprehend the bitter reality of the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the people instead of fabricating false promises about the cost of living.
President made these remarks during the election tour to support Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna in the Hambantota district today(August 02).
President participated in the public gathering in the Mahinda Rajapaksa Shopping Complex, Middeniya and inquired the public about the requirements they have in the area. The gathering was organized by the SLPP candidate Kapila Dissanayake. In response to a request to repair the roof of a building in Middeniya Maha Vidyalaya, President ordered the Army Commander at the very moment to look into the matter immediately. President also heeded to the request by the public to improve the facilities of the Middeniya Hospital.
Maha Sanga present at the public rally in Walasmulla Public Playground requested the President to form a Pradheshiya Sabha for Walasmulla area. The rally had been organized by the SLPP candidate Lionel Subasinghe.
President was also apprised of the issues relating to the Walasmulla Hospital, Bus Stand and the market. The crowd also informed the President about the possibility of employing a closed school(due to the shortage of students) in the Yahamulla area for some other productive purpose and requested to build a garment factory in the area.
President Rajapaksa was warmly welcomed amidst cheers of the people at the public rally in close proximity to Beliatta Pradheshiya Sabha organized by the SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa.
President also attended the public rally organized by candidates Namal Rajapaksa and D.V. Chanaka behind the Tangalle Municipal Council and inquired the crowd about their needs.
This was the last public gathering President Rajapaksa attended in the island wide election campaign tour in order to support the SLPP candidates in the forthcoming General Election.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured provisions from the annual budget to resolve the shortage of drinking water in several districts.
“During my tour across the country in the last 2-3 weeks, one of the major issues I was presented by the people is the scarcity of drinking water. This issue was discussed with the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as well. Lack of drinking water is an issue which needs immediate attention and plans have been set in motion to address it” President added.
President Rajapaksa made these remarks during his campaign tour of the Badulla district today(August 01) in support of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna(SLPP) candidates in the upcoming general election.
President participated in the public rally organized at the playground in close vicinity to Dowa Rajamaha Vihara, Bandarawela and assured the crowd that he would take steps to resolve issues faced by the people in the Badulla district. SLPP candidate Rohitha Thilakarathne had organized this public gathering.
President Rajapaksa was welcomed amidst cheers at the public meeting organized by candidate Uditha Lokubandara in the Haliela Pradhesiya Sabha playground.
President also attended the public rally organized in close proximity to Senanayake Botanical garden, Badulla and exchanged pleasantries with the crowd present. The rally was organized by the minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.
A Grade 3 student of the Viharamahadevi Girls School in Badulla, Dindhuli Lesanya handed over her till to the President in support of the ITUKUMA COVID 19 fund. In addition, the President was also apprised of an automated machine to spray sanitizers built by a Grade 7 student of St. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela.
A souvenir made by D.M Upathissa was presented to the President during the tour.
President attended the public rallies and engaged in cordial conversations with the crowds in Namunukula junction, Passara and Passara Public playground which were organized by the candidates Sendhil Thondaman and Chamara Sampath Dassanayake respectively.
Earlier today(August 01), President Gotabaya Rajapaksa guaranteed that his quest to eradicate poverty will not be abandoned. Speaking at a public gathering in Badulla today(August 01), he noted that despite job opportunities for some in the past poor were left behind.
President Rajapaksa assured that he will honor every promise in his policy framework “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” and following the general election, promised 150,000 job appointments for underprivileged and graduates will be granted. In addition, the President also revealed a plan to provide employment for students who had succeeded in O/L and A/L following a satisfactory training program.
President made these remarks at Mahaweli playground, Mahiyangana during the election tour in the Badulla district in support of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (candidates) in the Wednesday’s general election.
The public rally was organized by the SLPP candidate Thenuka Vidanagama.
President stated that every time a patriotic leader is elected to the highest office in the country, eventually conspirators and extremists would emerge to sabotage his/her policies and vision.
A group of people has created a baseless crisis in relation to the Colombo Port. President assured that it will not diminish his spirit while performing his duty to eradicate poverty.
President Rajapaksa promised to continue the Moran Ela Irrigation Project, which had come to an abrupt stop, and provide drinking water for the residents of Mahiyangana. The crowd informed the hardships including wild elephant intrusions, drug menace, shortcomings in the Dehigolla Maha Vidyalaya to the President.
In support of the ITUKAMA COVID 19 Fund, a young girl, D.B Sashikala Sewwandhi handed over her till to the President during the rally.
President Rajapaksa also engaged in cordial conversation with the crowd gathered along the road to Mahiyangana.
President was warmly welcomed amidst cheers upon his arrival at the public gathering in Kandaketiya Weekly fair premises, Wiyaluwa organized by the SLPP candidate Oshadie Hewamadduma.
“I would implement a proper plan to permanently resolve the elephant intrusions and shortage of water supply for irrigation in the area.” President assured. He added that he would take steps to return inherited lands for cultivation purposes.
President stated that he would examine each and every issue in order to successfully combat poverty and uplift the lives of the people under a proper strategy.
President Rajapaksa also participated in the public rally organized in the close vicinity to Meegahakiwula fair premises, Wiyaluwa and exchanged pleasantries with the crowd present and inquired into the issues they face in the area. The rally was organized by the candidate Dilan Perera.
President Rajapaksa was concerned about the request by a young student of Meegahakiwula National College to restore the Ellakanda road to the previous condition and assigning a public bus in the route. President informed the officials to note it down.
The residents of the area requested the Loggala oya to be diverted so that 3000 acres of barren paddy lands could be cultivated.
President was also informed about the shortage of teachers for Advanced Level classes in Meegahakiwula National College and several other shortcomings.
The principal and the students of Lunuwatta National College, Paranagama requested the President to construct a teacher’s quarters and playground for the school.
The President encouraged the efforts of the potato farmers and added that the researchers at the Seed Research Center, Badulla are working on a high yielding Potato seed which would ultimately help farmers for a better yield.
President Rajapaksa exchanged pleasantries with the crowd in public rallies organized by the candidates Chamika Buddhadasa and Sampath Jayasundera in Ambagasdhowa Pradheshiya Sabha playground and Welimada Pradheshiya Saba Weekly fair premises respectively.
The locals informed the President about the issues related to businesses along with the other issues they face regularly. President was also informed of a lightweight leaf crushing machine manufactured by a person named Gamini Kumarasinghe, a resident of Udaperuwa.
Young Miheli Nilmini Rathnayake, a student of Vijaya Vidyalaya, Welimada handed over her till to the President in order to support the ITUKAMA COVID 19 fund.
President Rajapaksa was welcomed amidst cheers of the crowd at the public gatherings organized by candidates Sudarshana Denipitiya and Janaka Thissakuttiarachchi in Bandarawela Municipal Council premises and Pradeshiya Sabha playground, Diyathalawa respectively.
President was apprised of the requirements to implement a proper procedure to grant compensations to farmers and safe means of transportation for the produce they harvest.
Hajj Message
It is with pleasure I offer my felicitations to Sri Lankan Muslims and their fellow devotees the world over on this occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.
On this day of Hajj, Muslims commemorate immense sacrifices made by Nabi Ibrahim and his family members in honour and respect of God. During this season a large number of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage considered as the fifth pillar of the Islamic faith.
Although the Muslim devotees are compelled to refrain from visiting Holy Mecca due to the COVID 19 pandemic which has enveloped the globe, I believe that the Hajj festival this year too will be an occasion for them to embrace the greatness of Allah and the spirit of peaceful coexistence.
The Government of Sri Lanka being aware of the significance of Hajj festival has provided all necessary facilities for the Muslim community to engage in their religious observances.
I am confident that the Muslim community in Sri Lanka which lived in peace and harmony with all the other communities throughout our history in accordance with the teachings of the holy Quran and contributed to the prosperity of this nation would continue that tradition in future as well.
I wish every Muslim of Sri Lanka a happy Eid-ul-Adha festival.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
July 31, 2020
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reiterated that no room will be left for anyone to destroy the historical heritage of the country or to cause damage to places of worship.
A comprehensive programme will be designed in order to preserve the heritage of Wellassa whilst protecting places of worship of all faiths, President Rajapaksa said addressing a public gathering organized by candidate Wimaladasa Galgamaarachchi in Wellawaya, Monaragala today (31).
People at the venue requested the President to protect temples of historical value from treasure hunters.
Agriculture in the area could be further enhanced by rehabilitating tanks scattered across the district including Buduruwagala and Bathala Ara, they pointed out.
At the gathering organized by candidate Padma Udayashantha at Buttalla weekly fair President was requested to set up a Presidential Task Force on preserving the historical heritage of Uva Wellassa too.
People commended the decision of the President to establish an investment zone in Monaragala.
President said measures will be taken to commence pumpkin and watermelon based by-products and to promote pepper and orange cultivation.
The research paper compiled by Geologist Athula Senaratne of University of Peradeniya was also handed over to the President.
Books titled ‘Wellasse Sihala Handa’ and ‘Atheetha Urumaye Anagata Mudrawa’ written by candidate Udayashantha and the report containing solutions for human elephant conflict compiled by the Shasheendra Rajapaksa Youth Forum was presented to the President.
A collection of 36 seeds endemic to Wellassa was also presented to the President.
The President who participated at the public meetings organized by candidate Shasheendra Rajapaksa and candidate Sumedha G. Jayasena at the Monaragala Weekly Fair premises engaged in a cordial discussion with the people gathered at the venue.
President Rajapaksa responding to the issues faced by the pepper cultivators said that a comprehensive strategy will be implemented to uplift the pepper trade which has collapsed as a result of the re-export of pepper.
The President requested the pubic gathered at the venue to extend their support to form a strong and stable Parliament to accomplish promises in ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ national Policy Framework successfully.
President Rajapaksa attending the public meeting organized by candidate Kumarasiri Rathnayake at the Dobagahawela Weekly Fair premises promised the people gathered at the venue to implement the Kumbukkan Oya water supply scheme as a solution for the drinking water issue of the area.
The President was warmly welcomed by the people gathered at the public meeting organized by Shashi Ramanayake at the Madulla Weekly Fair premises when he arrived at the venue. Responding to the issues raised by the people at the scene the President said that the government will take steps to speedy provide solutions for the issue of shortage of drinking water and lack of agricultural water consumption in the area.
President Rajapaksa further said that he will also apprise the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission regarding the non-availability of telephone signals. Mr. Shasheendra Rajapaksa promised to fulfill the request made to build an Assembly Hall to the Madulumini Primary school.
A replica of a Wellassa customary sword made by Mr. L.A. Keerthipala was also presented to the President.
The President responding to a request made by a group of students when he arrived at the Madulla Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, to develop their Play Ground instructed the Commander of the Army to immediately take measures to fulfill this task.
President Rajapaksa also said that he will take steps to broaden the Nelumwewe Kandiya road and to fill the vacant minor staff positions at the Monaragala District Hospital.
President also attended the meeting organized by candidate Vijitha Berugoda at the Cultural Center in Bibile.